Pope urges better protection of fishermen’s human rights

People shelter from the sun under a souvenir umbrella from Venice during the noon Angelus prayer recited by Pope Francis at the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, July 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is encouraging efforts to safeguard the human rights of fishermen and mariners.

Francis tweeted that he is praying for them and their families and noted that Sunday is a day dedicated to seafarers and fishermen.Francis tweeted: “I encourage every effort to protect and safeguard their human rights.”

Separately, the Vatican issued a prayer to mark the day, noting that seafarers endure difficult working conditions, including long stretches away from home and sometimes not getting paid, and face threats of piracy or terrorist attacks.

An Associated Press investigation into fishing industry practices in southeast Asia several years ago led to more than 2,000 fishing slaves being freed and fueled reform efforts to improve working conditions for those on fishing boats.

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